Boxing News Boxing News
Faatimah “Tamika” Balmer, who fights out of Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s Gym in North Philadelphia, marked her return to boxing last month with a resounding win over the number two ranked Brittany Inkrote to secure the Mid Atlantic Boxing Association Championship for the second time.
The 24 year old is set to compete at the East Central Region Tournament in Maryland this weekend.
Balmer has an impressive career record of 30-5 (10), but what makes this latest win even more special is not only was she fighting in a class above her normal 145 lb weight, but Faatimah only returned to training in December 2007 after taking a sabbatical to have a baby.
She puts her success down to her natural talent, determined desire to succeed, hard work and the best training team around, Marvis Frazier, Val Colbert and Tony Hicks, and the inspiration of her all time boxing hero, Smokin’ Joe Frazier.
“Since I was young I have idolized him, I love him, he’s like a father to me,” said Balmer of the former heavyweight champion of the world.
The USA Boxing East Central Region Tournament starts on Friday, February 15, 2008 and concludes on Sunday, February 17, at the Bel Air Reckord Armory on 39 Hickory Lane in Bel Air, MD 21014
There will be a fund raising event on the February 14 at The Raven Lounge in Philadelphia to provide funds for Balmer, and her training teams travel, accommodation, entry fees, etc.
The Raven Lounge is located on Sansom Street, between 17th and 18th streets in Center City, Philadelphia. The fund raiser begins at 8pm and will continue into the early hours.
In addition to live music from Benjamin Tinsley and DJ EZ, who will be on the decks to keep things nice and funky, many of the fighters from Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s Gym will be on hand.
As a special attraction, Mr. Joe Frazier himself will be making an appearance and signing a pair of gloves that will be auctioned on the night.
